In the Gulf Arab States, the Iranian nuclear deal has been met with celebration and apprehension. The business community in the Gulf is no doubt glad that the Iranian market, long shuttered under heavy sanctions, will finally be open for business. Yet political tensions caused by the Iranian government in the region continue to be a concern. Read more »
GCC
Young Artists in the GCC
Young Khaleeji artists, with and without the support or knowledge of their respective governments, have over the past few years challenged the status quo and shattered stereotypes about what was previously perceived to be a passive populace. Read more »
The Arabian Gulf in the Social Media Era
In this interview with SAMAR, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi discusses his writings, the increasing influence of social media and the challenge of censorship in the Gulf, as well as the position of Arab media and citizens before and after the events known as the “Arab Spring.”
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Showdown in the Gulf
Over the past week, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and the UAE took the unprecedented step of collectively withdrawing their ambassadors from Qatar, citing the latter’s disregard for their security. The following day, Egypt also announced a similar step. Observers viewed this as a message to Qatar to cease its support for the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar issued […]
Despite the venom spewed by renegades, we are united
Can the GCC truly be certain that all its member states consider the security and integrity of other member states their top priority? There should be no room for doubt – but sadly there is. Read more »
Gulf atheism in the age of social media
The Gulf states have a long association with Islam; after all, the religion was founded in the Arabian Peninsula more than 1,400 years ago. More recently, movements such as Wahhabism and Salafism were also founded here. However, over the past few years a rising number of Gulf nationals have started to distance themselves from religious practice and in some cases started to openly criticize the application of religion in society. Read more »